Rollei SL66SE Exclusive Professional #'d model?

JosBurke · Nov 29, 2006

I bought a pair of Rollei cameras sight unseen from a rather odd (to put it lightly) gentleman ( I think he had a part in the film DELIVERENCE). What I got was a 12/24 3,5 Planar White Face TLR--- a fine plus example and an unused, as in not a roll through it but a roll in it--never on a tripod--Rollei SL66SE with the standard 80 mm attached (mint/new) and a 50 mm that was apparently bought second hand. These cameras belonged to the gentlemans father that recently passed and "Bugsy" (the Son) and his sister "Minnie" were in need of fast cash !! So I jumped--sight unseen by the description he gave me and getting that bit of info was like pulling teeth and he had few to spare (this is the truth now !) My Question regards the SL66SE--aparently his daddy bought this as a collectible and never used it though it had a few little scratches that likely came from "Bugsy" and "Minnie" pawing at it ! It looks fresh from a box (I got no box or paperwork) but is marked with some Gold plating (Gold RolleiFlex Name Plate on the front) and (Gold Plate around and under the Film reminder on the back that says RolleiFlex SL66SE EXCLUSIVE PROFESSIONAL) and a number in gold being 92 of 144 below and forward of the camera winding knob---Even the dark slide has ZERO scratches from NO use---my question--is this camera anything out of the ordinay or should I just go on and play with it, sell it, or what? Any info appreciated as I can find little via a google search!!
I bought it to resell but darn it is a really pretty camera and being a Hassy user myself I was shocked at it's close focus capability with no extra ext tubes--I only noitced that because I racked it out quite a bite and noticed my hand in focus on the focus screen at a VERY close proximity---my Hassy can't do that without a tube !!
Please advise--What is a Gold Plated Rollei SL66SE EXCLUSIVE PROFESSIONAL model??

Ulrich Drolshagen · Nov 30, 2006

All SL66 are exclusive and professional Unfortunately the famous site sl66.com is down quite a while (rolleiclub.com is announced to be back in 2007 though). So we can not lookup the camera. IIRC it was made of spare parts after closing the production with collectors in mind. AFAIK besides the goldplates and the numbering there should not be anything special about it.
Cameras are built for taking pictures. I would use it for what its made for.
You may not have noticed: You can mount the lens in retro position and get even closer. The attached picture was taken with the 80mm in retro position. It was my very first macro. Most of the time I use the tilt for landscape work. It is a very fine camera and I would never give it away. But of course, I don't own a Hassy

Ulrich

Mike Kovacs · Nov 30, 2006

I'll have to check my Global Rollei Club CD-ROMS for this model and report back. I have been selling them on the RUG if you're looking for a one-stop SL66 information bonanza. (pm please)

Here is another, retro mounted 50mm Distagon HFT, Efke 25 D76 1:1

Jim Noel · Nov 30, 2006

DOn't trade your SL 66 for a Hassy. I sold my Hassy to get the SL66 and have never been sorry. It has too many features which are missing on the Hassy to want to go back.

Greg_E · Nov 30, 2006

Dead Link Removed

Lately it's been nothing but crap, so a question like this would be a most welcome site. Someone will be able to tell you what it is.

naturephoto1 · Nov 30, 2006

Hi Joseph,

Check the link below on Photo.net. Richard Vogel makes comment regarding your camera. However, apparently there more of these limited edition cameras than Richard thought.

Here is the link:

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000Guu

Hope this helps.

Rich

JosBurke · Nov 30, 2006

Allright I'm still stumped--Very, Very little info on the web on these models--I'm still not gonna use it yet--much !! I did see that KEH has one currently in the same form as mineRollei 6X6 SLR--pretty pricey for a used camera out of production--I may have a real prize--well it's a real gem either way --This is current KEH.com listing :
SL66SE EXCLUSIVE PRO WITH 80 F2.8 PLANAR HFT, WAISTLEVEL, 120 BACK, MEDIUM FORMAT SLR MANUAL FOCUS CAMERA OUTFITGrade Now Was
LN- $2,569.00

Greg_E · Nov 30, 2006

If you don't want to use it out of fear that something will happen to it, it's almost worthless, might as well sell it and use the money to buy a real shooter.

naturephoto1 · Nov 30, 2006

Hi Joseph,

Don't forget that the SL66E and then the SL66SE were never produced in the quantities of the original SL66 cameras. Being made in such low numbers would contribute to an increased cost and value. Additionally, being only one of the 144 in the limited edition would certainly make the camera more valuable and as a result more expensive. Rollei like Leica have made limited production/edition versions of their cameras over time. They would be more valuable. But, I question whether your camera would probably have the value of some of the gold versions of the Rollei or the Leica cameras.

Rich

JosBurke · Nov 30, 2006

Allrighty--I've sent an email to KEH to inquire--for what that's worth!--and, Rich, the email for Richard Vogel (poster at photo.net) is invalid so thats a dead end. Lastly another Curiousity--the Rollei Gold Plate says 92/144 but the camera serial # is oddly---711710001--Hmm! So is it the first one in actuality !! Kinda reminds me of Shelby Mustang serial #'s --The Shelby Vin Tag #'s were not necessarily built in sequence meaning a later numbered car might actually be built first--cars were assigned a number by color batches, etc... Trivial but still a curiousity !!

Greg_E · Nov 30, 2006

I once asked about the serial numbers for a Rolleiflex original that I have, there were at least two different numbers, and I was told that Rollei did odd things with their serial numbers, so I wouldn't put too much weight on that number until you find out what it means. The 92 of 144 probably means much more than the other number. Again, ask at the yahoo group, I'm positive that one of those regulars will be able to help you promptly.

antielectrons · Dec 1, 2006

<< SL66SE Exclusive Professional
Collectors item

Special Edition series with gold plated ROLLEIFLEX name, golden plaque with serial number, golden release button and golden plate on film back. Hand finished details.

Total made in Germany from October 1992 - October 1993: 188
Edition Serial #: 92/001-92/188.
Details

After 1993, probably in 1994-1996, about
6 additional SE Exclusive Professional cameras were built to order with serial
# 92/189 to 92/194.

From:
http://web.archive.org/web/20051225235326/www.sl66.com/sl66_models.htm

Also, more info here:

http://web.archive.org/web/20051108072132/www.sl66.com/sl66_models_sl66seX.htm

Basically you have a very valuable collectors item. Whatever you do DONT USE IT as you will diminish its value. If you really want to use an SL66 I suggest you sell this one and buy another and pocket the difference!

Mike Kovacs · Dec 1, 2006

Antonio is right. You have a collector's dream there. You can probably get some good money out of it and reinvest in a nice set of shooting gear if that's more your thing.

Call me biased, but I would get none other than another SL66 Personally I don' t see the big deal about the $$$ metered models.

jonathanbennett120 · Dec 1, 2006

They have one of those gold stamped collectors sl66se's at B&H in their used dept. Or at least they had one the last time I was there. It was more than 5 thousand dollars. For half that you could have a standard SL66 with the 80, 50, 150, 120 and maybe a 250 lens with all the extras you could find! I say sell that to a non shooter and pick up a shooter with all the lens options. SL66 is a great great camera. Expecially for closeup work. Those examples in this thread are beautiful arguments for the SL66.

JosBurke · Dec 1, 2006

I thank you antongarcia as you have ID'ed the camera !! It is identical to the linked model shown---Hmm !! What to do ????? I could trade it for a PS3 for XMas ?? Jim Galli---Maybe I could trade it for another Deardorff V-11 ? Maybe I'll just sit on it ? Nah!! Maybe I'll trade it for a D SLR ?? Nah !!
Caaaaaaching!!!! And to think I bought the pair mainly for the RolleiFlex TLR Planar Whiteface which is a Gem in itself!! Gee--I need another MF camera like a hole in the head !! Thanks to all for your effort!!

Jim Charles · Dec 1, 2006

Just out of curiosity, how much did you pay for the pair? I'm curious to think what Jim Bob thought it was worth, if you don't mind. If you'd prefer to not say, then that's fine too.

JosBurke · Dec 3, 2006

I don't mind--no secret--$1400 for the pair----My first interest was the TLR Planar 3,5----F model, pristine body and glass--also a white face and 12/24--At first thoughy worth at least $800 but likely better than a grand in the condition it's in--so I figured the other Rollei (had no idea exactly what it was) if nearly as nice was surely worth $600 considering both an 80 mm and a 50 mm--so I took a chance--he told me that his father paid a lot of money for the SL66SE--but I didn't know it was the SE Collectors model--He didn't know anything about model numbers but I told him what I wanter to know about the TLR---He said his father bought it for a couple thousand dollars years ago--I asked if a Planar or Xenotar and he said 3,5 Planar and I thought well maybe a 12/24 so I asked about the switch and had to explain how to open the case to view the side and he said there was some type of flippy button--I was hooked from then on !!! I'll post some pics of the pair Sunday!!
I could easily have gone somewhat negative as well ! actually unless I sell something I am negative!! As stated I had to buy these sight unseen !!

Mike Kovacs · Dec 3, 2006

Good on ya. Merry Christmas (early!)

Antje · Dec 3, 2006

Wow, that's awesome. Congratulations! You've got be lucky sometimes.

Antje

ljsegil · Dec 6, 2006

Titanium Special Edition SL66SE

I believe these special editions are made from Titanium (what the regular camera bodies are made from I do not know). Will this contribute much to their durability and perhaps their ability to withstand the elements, i.e. rain, snow, etc.
LJ

Rollei SL66SE Exclusive Professional #'d model?

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